Press Kit 2021

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PRESS KIT 2021

© Dominique Edte AT YOUR SERVICE YOUR CONTACTS Région” andifpossible, send us acopy of thepublication. dicate thename(s)of thephotographer(s) and“Officede TourismedeStrasbourg etsa These photos are royalty-free for thetourismpromotion of thedestination. Pleasein- Once you have registered, you will have accesstoaselectionof downloadable photos. heading “Professional area”. You canvisitourphoto library from ourwebsite www.visitstrasbourg.fr/en, underthe The photo library search andinitiatives whileyou writeanarticleaboutStrasbourg. The Press Department atthe Tourist Office wouldbepleasedtohelp youwith your re- Press relations WELCOME TOSTRASBOURG! www.visitstrasbourg.fr/en Stras_Tourisme @strasbourgtourisme StrasbourgTourisme Tel. :+33(0)388522827 Sophie BALLAND -Press andCommunicationOfficer Email: [email protected] Tel. :+33(0)388522838 Nicolas WEVELSIP -Press Officer Email: [email protected] CONTENTS Strasbourg innumbers Strasbourg, attheheartof Alsace “Strasbourg, capitalof Christmas" Discovering Strasbourg In Strasbourg, slow living Strasbourg, avibrant city Strasbourg, agreen city Strasbourg, afamily destination Exceptional museums Strasbourg, cityof culture Strasbourg, Europe's beatingheart Heritage built over thecenturies In Strasbourg, andnowhere else New inStrasbourg Key features © Philippe de Rexel KEY FEATURES

In addition to being a unique, cosmopolitan city, Strasbourg also features key sights not to be missed: Grande Île, the Cathedral, Petite France and the Neustadt district.

Grande Ile houses several museums. N 2 place du Château Enclosed by the boundary of the River Ill, the Grande Ile Island, • Ancienne Grande Boucherie (former slaughterhouse) the historic town centre, is connected to the rest of the city by Built in 1587 to replace the old slaughterhouse that had been in 21 bridges and footbridges. use since the 13th century, this exceptional example of Renais- It has seen Strasbourg develop, enabling it in 1988 to beco- sance architecture has been home since 1919 to the Historical me the first historic city centre listed in its entirety as a Museum of the City of Strasbourg. UNESCO World Heritage site. On the main squares and little N 2 rue du Vieux-Marché-aux-Poissons pedestrian streets, many buildings are worth a look: • Ancienne Douane • The Kammerzell House This building, with its gable roof, located on the banks of the This Renaissance building, the foundations of which date River Ill, was used for centuries for storing and taxing goods to 1427, is a former merchant’s house. Its steep roof, beams transiting on the Rhine. Now it houses a restaurant and a far- sculpted with secular subjects, crown glass windows and stone mer’s market. N 6 rue de la Douane ground floor inspire admiration. N 16 place de la Cathédrale • The Neubau • Palais Rohan (Rohan Palace) Dating to the late 16th century, this remarkable, extremely ri- First the place of residence of the four cardinals of Rohan, then gorously symmetrical building was constructed in cut stone, a city hall and then an imperial and royal palace, it is a testament daring choice at the time because it was in sharp contrast with to the princely art of living of the 18th century. Its classical the local architectural style, which traditionally used half-tim- architecture is inspired by fine Parisian townhouses. It now bering. N 10 place Gutenberg The cathedral Church and Synagogue. The Strasbourg Cathedral stands on a wide cobblestone square At the end of the 13th Century, work began on the main fa- as in the Middle Ages. It rests on foundations of an old roman çade, the most richly ornate. The tympana of its three portals basilica of the Rhine constructed in 1015 by Bishop Wernher, of are dedicated to the life and Passion of Christ and to the Last the Hapsburg family. Destroyed by fire, it was gradually replaced Judgment. The famous group of the Tempter, surrounded by by a new cathedral. Nearly three centuries passed between the the Wise and Foolish Virgins, which decorate the right portal, reconstruction of the choir in 1176 and the completion of the served as a model for the cathedrals of Fribourg and Basle. On steeple in 1439. Its height of 142 m. classified Notre-Dame of the left portal, the Virtues are stabbing the Vices with their Strasbourg as the tallest edifice in Christendom up until the lances. 19th century. • "A prodigy of the gigantic and of the delicate" (Victor Hugo) A strikingly delicate double gable crowns the portals. In a frame of stone, delicately ornamented with openwork, blooms a magnificent rose window, attributed to Erwin of Steinbach, in charge of the cathedral project from 1284 to 1318. Above it, two towers connected by the belfry, constructed only at the end of the 14th century, compose the platform. From this height, after having climbed the 329 stairs, one can enjoy a magnificent view of the city and its surroundings. The tower, octagonal in shape and crowned by an ornate steeple credited to John Hültz, is found on the north side of the platform. On the south side of the Cathedral, the beautiful Romanesque portal, the oldest of the building, is flanked by copies of the famous Church and Synagogue statues whose originals are preserved at the Œuvre Notre-Dame Museum. The tympanum of the left door is decorated with a magnificent Death of the Virgin, one which filled Delacroix with admiration. On the tympanum of the left door appears the Coronation of the Virgin. The portal on the left side, dating from the end of the 15th century, is dedicated to Saint Lawrence, whose martyrdom -a modern copy- is represented above the door. The nave, whose harmonious proportions fill one with won- der, was inspired by that of St. Denis, and constructed in two stages between 1240 and 1275. Most of its original stained- glass windows, whose golden brilliance is due to the use of lighter colours which the master glassworkers of Strasbourg have always favoured, have been preserved. The oldest windows of the nave date back to the beginning of the 13th century and are located on the north side-aisle. They • A little history about a big construction project picture the succession of Germanic kings and emperors. The foundations and a few stones in the crypt are the only re- The Virgin of the choir is modern. In the nave, the stained- mains of the old basilica. Around 1225, the arrival of an archi- glass windows with the saints which face each other are tect and craftsmen from Chartres revolutionised the course of also impressive. the construction. In the 14th century, the Chapel of Saint Catherine, with A project manager whose name remains unknown to us intro- remarkable windows from the same century featuring Je- duced the local artisans to the splendours of Gothic art ignored sus’ life, and the Chapel of Saint Lawrence whose stained so far. This anonymous individual left behind unrivalled mas- glass windows are those of the old Dominican church, terpieces, such as the Pillar of Angels and the statues of the were added to the nave. In the north transept, a Mount of

Olives (1498) and baptismal fonts in the late-Gothic style FEATURES KEY (1453). The oldest windows of the cathedral originate from the automata at precisely 12.30 p.m., which file out in procession. primitive sanctuary and represent the two Saint Johns and the At this moment, the apostles march in front of Christ. Their pro- Judgment of Solomon. cession is punctuated by a cock beating its wings and crowing. At the back of the north transept, the Chapel of Saint John Lower down, we see the four ages of life, which, personified the Baptist houses the beautiful 14th century tomb of Bishop by a child, an adolescent, an adult and an old man, pass every Conrad of Lichtenberg and an epitaph (1464) representing a quarter of an hour before Death. Since 1987, it has been listed canon in prayer before a moving Virgin with Child attributed to as a historical monument object. Nicolas Gerhaert de Leyde. Every day, the procession of the apostles can be admired after a film is shown about the astronomical clock. The ticket counter • The pulpit, a sound example of the late gothic style opens at 11:30 am. In the nave, the pulpit by Hans Hammer is a superb example of In front of the clock stands the striking Pillar of Angels which, the flamboyant Gothic style. The organ chest, ornamented with in a very original fashion, represents in fact a Last Judgment interesting automata, also dates from the end of the Middle because it groups together Christ the Judge, the four Evange- Ages. Its statues, with their movable joints and endowed with lists and the Angels of Judgment, sounding the trumpet. The speech, shamelessly ranted at the officiating priest and were a Saint-André Chapel, dating from the late 12th century, can be well-appreciated attraction. found at the end of the south transept. • The Astronomical Clock and the Pillar of Angels • Platform of the Cathedral Visitors can climb up to the Cathedral’s platform and guard- house. The spiral staircase takes them deep into the building and up to the top, where they’ll enjoy amazing views. After climbing up the 330 steps, visitors find themselves 66 metres above the square, with a stunning panoramic view of the city and the surrounding area. When the weather is fine, the view goes all the way to the Vosges and the Black Forest (in Germany). N place du Château i www.oeuvre-notre-dame.org/cathedrale-de-strasbourg/vi- siter-cathedrale

In the south transept, other figures, also engaged in activity, animate the Astronomical Clock. A Renaissance masterpiece, this clock was inherited from the Protestant Reformation. It was constructed around 1547 by a team of Swiss clockmakers. Inoperative since the Revolution of 1789, Jean-Baptiste Schwil- gué gave it new life in 1842. Greatly enriched by the detailed movement of a Copernican planetary dial and an ecclesiastical computation, the Astronomical Clock is a particularly well- known attraction thanks to the daily performance given by its KEY FEATURES KEY view overthetown anditscanals. of thebuilding, from where visitors can enjoyanimpressive An based onplansdrawn upby themilitaryengineer Vauban. of thetownwhenneeded)was built around 1690by Tarade cause itmadepossibleto floodtheentire southern edge Vauban" (the Vauban Dam-alsoknownastheGreat Lockbe- Just afew metres awayfrom thePontsCouverts, the"Barrage The VaubanDam • a newdefensive ringwasbuilt around thetownby Vauban. diately aftertheincorporation ofStrasbourg intoFrance in1681, ranteed theindependenceofStrasbourg Republic. Imme- remnants of thetown's former ramparts whichoncegua- are overlooked byfour towers datingfrom the14thcentury, fact thattheir roofs disappeared during the 18th century. They (the Covered Bridges). They havekept thisnamedespitethe At theedgeofPetiteFrance districtare the"PontsCouverts" • LesPonts Couverts (theCovered Bridges) des Tanneurs”famous isthe“Maison , erected in1572. onto loftswhere animalhideswere oncedried. Oneofthemost two half-timbered floors with large sloping roofs opening out rally allstructured inthesameway;aboveground floorare houses date back to the 16th and 17th centuries and are gene- ditchStreetner’s –“rueduFossé-des-Tanneurs”. Mostofthe wasn’t covered untilthe19thcentury. Itlaterbecamethe Tan- France, where thetanners’ “ditch”wassituated, andwhich The sidents. their name zum Französel (“the little French”) used by the re- cenaries oftheKingsFrance from thewars inItaly, hence attended to venereal diseases brought over by Strasbourg mer Its namederivesfrom ahospitalfrom the16thcenturywhich flection ofthecanals. roads andhalf-timbered houseswhichcanbeseeninthere- the mostpicturesque partof theoldtown, with its narrow The Petite France, formerly the millers' and tanners' district, is The Petite France attractive panoramic terrace has been created at the top Place BenjaminZixislocatedattheheartoflaPetite

- sidence oftheEmperor) andthePalais Universitaire. among which, inparticular, thePalais duRhin(theformer re- centre of the city, is a remarkable collection of monuments, Place delaRépublique, thenewpoliticalandadministrative systems andgas-averyrare situationatthetime. Allaround The newresidential quarters allhaverunningwater, sewage "Egyptian house". surprising Art Nouveau constructions can be found such as the neo-Renaissance, neo-Baroque, etc.), amongwhichsomevery that certain taste for historical eclecticism (Italian or German Church). Bothpublicbuildingsandprivatehomesexpress caping (for examplethebanks oftheIllriverwithSt. Paul's sites where themonumentalblendsskilfully withthelands- squares andbroad, tree embellishedavenues, andofseveral It isaveryinteresting urbancreation composedoflarge open • Anunparalleled urbancreation Heritage siteinJuly 2017. sace-Lorraine. The NeustadtwasdesignatedaUNESCO World was tomake thecityintoashowcasefor theReichsland inAl bourg’s surface area atthetime. The aimofthisnewquarter 1871 and1914afterthePrussianannexation, triplingStras- The Neustadt (new city) district, was built from nothing The NeustadtDistrict between

KEY FEATURES - © Sophie Balland NEW IN STRASBOURG

Strasbourg is constantly reinventing itself. With its hotels, restaurants, unusual places, leisure activities and new ways of exploring the city, Strasbourg will surprise you! Overview of new features 2020-2021

The Neustadt by sightseeing train Transport A new sightseeing train tour takes visitors through the Neus- A new rapid transit bus line (line H) connects the high-speed tadt district, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage site rail station to the European Parliament in just 15 minutes, since 2017. by way of the music venue and convention centre (Palais de la Musique et des Congrès) and the new Archipel business The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes, leaving every district. day from Place du Château. The schedule varies according to the season. Prices: €7 per adult, €5 ages 6 to 14, free A yacht, serving as a water taxi called “Naos”, will soon begin for children under 6. i petit-train-strasbourg.fr offering service. It will offer eleven seats on board to connect the 17 floating docks in Strasbourg. Interpreting architecture and heritage A rage room The 5e Lieu, an architecture and heritage interpretation centre that opened in late 2019, takes visitors on a “Journey through Dooz has opened the first rage room in Strasbourg, where Strasbourg”. This permanent exhibition features fun interactive people can let their destructive side shine through, in a spe- elements incorporating digital media, and models. The 5e Lieu cially designed, safe space. also offers temporary exhibitions. It’s a great starting point i strasbourg.doozescape.com/room/destroy-room/ before setting off to explore the city. Visitors will also find the ‘Boutique Culture’ here, where information is provided about cultural offerings in Strasbourg. i 5elieu.strasbourg.eu New hotels New restaurants Opened in autumn 2019, the Villa la Florangerie Hotel (Gar- New restaurants have opened in Strasbourg. rigae Group) offers 22 rooms and 5 suites. This 5-star hotel, The Blue Flamingo, a floating restaurant located in the nestling in a green setting, features a pool. centre of the Presqu’île Malraux quarter, offers refined inter- i garrigae.fr/en/etablissements/villa-la-florangerie national cuisine in an elegant, cosy, exotic setting. The menu An Aloft Hotel (Marriott Group) opened in late August 2020 in changes with the seasons and is updated every three weeks. a new quarter of Strasbourg, the NoLiStra district. With its 123 iblue-flamingo.fr/en rooms, this 4-star hotel caters to tech-savvy guests. The Crocodile reopened in January 2020, after a few months i www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sxbal-aloft-strasbourg- of closure for renovations, with Chef Romain Brillat now in the etoile kitchen. i au-crocodile.com/en The Tandem Hotel, opened in August 2020, has 70 rooms. This The Mama Bubbele surprises with its original interpretations 4-star hotel is environmentally friendly. It also has an evening of the traditional Alsatian tarte flambée - completely home- restaurant, a bar, a library, a wine collection and even an urban made with organic, local ingredients - offered on an 'à la carte' vegetable garden, above the breakfast room. menu, suitable for vegetarians as well. i mama-bubbele.fr i hotel-tandem.fr/en Pour de Bon, the first restaurant in Strasbourg to make its In January 2021, the former Manufacture des Tabacs (tobacco own cheese from Alsatian milk, offers dishes made with mar- factory) currently being refurbished, will become a new youth ket-fresh ingredients, served in a cosy ambiance with room for hostel with 59 rooms and 264 beds. 19 guests. i www.pourdebonstrasbourg.com i thepeoplehostel.com ‘Honesty’ is a little up-and-coming gastronomic restaurant In 2020, two hotels underwent major renovation work: with seating for up to 25 diners. The restaurant’s guiding - The Hôtel des Vosges, which has been redone in a refined principle is to respect the ingredients by working them entirely 1930s design, has gone from 2 to 4 stars on-site, and to reduce waste by taking an innovative approach. i hoteldesvosges-strasbourg.com i www.honesty-restaurant-strasbourg.fr - The Hôtel Maison Rouge now has 131 rooms and suites The Météor brasserie has set up in premises covering 850 with Art Deco touches and a spa offering wine therapy treat- square metres on three floors, giving Alsatian brewery culture ments. i www.maison-rouge.com/en all the space it deserves. i lemeteor.fr Au Coin des Kneckes, a new brasserie in the station district, is the little brother of Troquet des Kneckes. Its menu pays tribute to the region’s traditional culture, with beers and tartes flambées served in a bright, friendly setting. i coin-kneckes.fr When it comes to international cuisine, Yamas offers traditional Greek casual dining with the food cooked right in front of the guests (eat in or takeaway). Brasserie K is the new restaurant at the Hôtel des Vosges which opened in late 2020, offering traditional French cuisine in a sophisticated setting. An unusual pub with a surprising name - The Drunky Stork Social Club - will open soon in the exceptional setting of a former bank. A modern version of the social club, where guests can get a bite to eat or have a drink, in a cosy ambiance. i www.thedrunkystorksocialclub.com NEW IN STRASBOURG NEW © Paul Prim IN STRASBOURG, AND NOWHERE ELSE

Why choose Strasbourg? Its remarkable heritage makes it the only city in the world with a double UNESCO listing. But the city also has other, unparalleled, advantages.

A double UNESCO listing The Cathedral: the highest monument in The incalculable richness of Strasbourg’s heritage was en- Christendom until the 19th century shrined by the inscription of the Grande Île on the UNESCO The undisputed centuries-old symbol of the city, the Cathedral World Heritage list in 1988. It was the first time that a historic was the highest monument in Christianity for hundreds of years. city centre had been designated in its entirety. In 2017, this One of its many unique features is its magnificent rose window, listing was extended to include the Neustadt quarter, thus gi- measuring fourteen metres in diameter. This amazing feat of ving Strasbourg an exceptional double listing, representing an technological prowess and marvel of delicacy is still one of incredible recognition of the city’s rich, diverse heritage. the largest rose windows in Europe. A Franco-German identity A European capital Strasbourg, a free city for a very long time, was nonetheless With New York and Geneva, Strasbourg is one of only three ci- influenced early on by both Latin and Germanic cultures, owing ties in the world to host international institutions without to its geographic position at the crossroads between these two being a national capital. worlds. The trace of both countries can be found in Stras- A pioneer in the construction of Europe, the Alsatian capital bourg’s incomparable heritage. is the seat of the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, From 1870 to 1945, the city changed nationalities four times. the European Court of Human Rights and the Central Commis- Strasbourg has become the symbol of Franco-German recon- sion for Navigation on the Rhine. ciliation. The birthplace of Humanism The “best restaurant in the world” It was in Strasbourg that Gutenberg designed the movable type The Au Crocodile restaurant, recently downgraded by request printing press, very quickly making the city one of the world’s of its new chef, was dubbed the “best restaurant in the world” major centres of printing. Enabling the rapid dissemination by TripAdvisor in 2019 and the “best gastronomic restaurant in of ideas, the development of printing fostered the humanist the world” in 2018. In 2021, Strasbourg had 7 Michelin-starred school of thought that emerged in Strasbourg, through the restaurants: Au Crocodile, 1741, Buerehiesel, Umami, Les Fu- voices of Jakob Wimpheling, Geiler von Kaysersberg and Sé- nambules, le Jardin Secret and Les Plaisirs Gourmands. bastien Brant. Positive energy housing The Capital of Christmas Strasbourg boasts a significant environmental milestone: it is The Christkindelsmärik, the authentic Christmas Market the first city in the world to have a positive energy housing created in 1570 in Strasbourg, is the oldest in France and one tower, the Elithis Danube. of the oldest in Europe. Every year, the “Strasbourg, Capital of France’s most bike-friendly city Christmas” event provides enchantment to its visitors, young Boasting more than 670 kilometres of bike paths, Strasbourg and old alike. is France’s most bike-friendly city, with 8% of all journeys being Strasbourg mon amour by bike in the urban area and 15% in the city centre. Since February 2013, the European capital has been organising A cross-border city a festival offering a rich programme that’s open to all.Poetry, culture, glamour and the unexpected come together in a per- Strasbourg’s recent urban projects have opened it up to Germany, especially its neighbour city, Kehl. Since fect storm to reinvent Valentine’s Day! 2004, the Jardin des Deux Rives, located on both the School of National Administration (ENA) French and German sides of the river, has symbolised This school, founded in 1945, is a training ground for France’s reconciliation. Visitors can go from one country to the high-ranking officials. It was transferred from Paris to Stras- other on a footbridge designed by architect Marc Mi- bourg in 1991. Courses were split between the two cities from mram. Since 2017, there has also been a tram provi- that time until 2005. Since that year, Strasbourg has been the ding service from Strasbourg all the way to the centre only city to have the prestigious ENA school. of Kehl, Germany. A national theatre The biggest tram system in France Strasbourg is the only French city outside of Paris to have a The Alsatian capital has developed the largest tram sys- national theatre: the National Theatre of Strasbourg (TNS). tem in France, with over 70 kilometres of lines. Les Percussions de Strasbourg The Marseillaise Strasbourg has the oldest professional music ensemble in It was in Strasbourg, in 1792, that Rouget de Lisle com- France. Les Percussions de Strasbourg has a truly unique col- posed what became France’s national anthem, known lection of instruments. as La Marseillaise. The Historic Wine Cellar of Strasbourg Hospital The biggest indoor bike park in Europe There’s a wine cellar in Strasbourg’s hospital. This exceptional A place for learning and exploring, Le Stride is Europe’s cellar helps finance the hospital’s medical equipment, and fea- largest indoor bike park. You can try mountain biking tures the world’s oldest white wine in a cask, from the 15th and BMX here, no matter what the weather is like. century. A World War II museum The birthplace of foie gras The MM Park is one of the largest museums in Europe For centuries, the Alsatian capital has been a welcoming place devoted to the Second World War. It features more than for gastronomes. Foie gras was invented in Strasbourg in 120 vehicles and even an aircraft and an E-boat around 1780, by the cook of the Marshal of Contades, to please the palates of high society. IN STRASBOURG, AND NOWHERE ELSE AND NOWHERE IN STRASBOURG, © Sophie Balland HERITAGE BUILT OVER THE CENTURIES With its 2000 years of rich history, the European capital is located at a crossroads between the La- tin and Germanic cultures and has a unique architectural heritage. Traces of each period, including the Romanesque period, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, can still be seen today.

Since ancient times, every period has left its mark on Stras- century. bourg. These traces, still visible today, are what make the city’s In the 20th century, Strasbourg became a symbol of the recon- heritage so rich. ciliation between France and Germany and of the construction From the Roman camp, two streets remain: Rue du Dôme and of Europe, with numerous ambitious urban and architectural Rue des Juifs. projects. In the Middle Ages, this free city of the Holy Roman Empire acquired its narrow, winding little streets, fortifications (the covered bridges or ‘Ponts Couverts’) and the former customs building known as the ‘Ancienne Douane’. It took nearly three Did you know? centuries (from 1176 to 1439) to build the Cathedral, which is Thanks to the richness of Strasbourg’s heritage, the city has a why it features both Romanesque and Gothic architecture. dual UNESCO World Heritage listing: in 1988, the historical During the Renaissance, Strasbourg experienced an intense centre (Grande Ile) was listed in its entirety. period of intellectual vibrancy. Fine Renaissance houses remain In 2017, UNESCO recognised the uniqueness and architectural from that time. quality of the imperial quarter, Neustadt. In 1681, Strasbourg was annexed to France. In this free royal city, numerous Parisian-style townhouses were built. In 1871, Strasbourg reverted to German rule and tripled its size with the construction of the Neustadt district, in an architectural style echoing the historical eclecticism of the late 19th Middle Ages Ancient times A free city of the Holy Roman Empire 12 BC 451 496 1015 1176 1230 1358

Creation of Argentora- Total destruction of the Restoration of the city Construction of the Construction of the Construction of Construction of the tum, the Roman military city by Attila by the Franks, under the Romanesque basilica Cathedral’s choir Strasbourg’s first stone Ancienne Douane, a camp that constitutes name Strateburgum that later serves as the surrounding wall, the warehouse also used for Strasbourg’s original core foundation on which the Ponts Couverts (covered taxing the merchants Cathedral is built bridges) travelling on the Rhine

Renaissance Centre of Humanism and of the Protestant Reformation 1434-1444 1439 1572 1574 1585 1587 1589

Gutenberg stays Construction is comple- Construction of the Maison Construction of the Construction is com- Construction of the Construction is com- in Strasbourg. He is ted on the Cathedral’s des Tanneurs. During the Astronomical Clock of pleted on the Neubau slaughterhouse (Grande pleted on Kammerzell believed to have invented spire same period, the entire the Cathedral (currently the Chamber of Boucherie -currently the House the movable type printing district of the fishermen Commerce and Industry) Historical Museum) and tanners (Petite France) press in Strasbourg. is built.

Late 17th century-18th century 19th century A free royal city that is prosperous and influential The industrial revolution 1690 1728 1730 1732 1764 1805 1811

Construction of a ring of Construction of the Hôtel Construction of the Hôtel Construction of the Construction of the Creation of the Building of the Manufac- fortifications by Tarade, de Hanau-Lichtenberg de Klinglin (now the Palais Rohan (Robert Aubette Orangerie, in honour of ture des tabacs (former according to designs by (currently City Hall - Hôtel du Préfet - Jean- de Cotte) Empress Joséphine (now tobacco factory) Vauban Joseph Massol) Pierre Pflug) Orangerie Park)

Late 19th century – Early 20th century The Imperial Period 1871 1880 1884 1888 1895 1899 1910

Strasbourg becomes part Construction begins on Construction of the Construction of the Pa- Construction of the Im- Construction of the Launch of the “Grande of the Second Reich the imperial quarter, Palais Universitaire lais du Kaiser (now the perial Library (now the Representative Assembly Percée” urban planning known as the Neustadt (Otto Warth) Palais du Rhin - Hermann National and University House of Alsace Lorraine operation Eggert) Library) (now the National Theatre of Strasbourg)

20th – 21st century A European city 1994 1995 1999 2004 2007 2008 2018

The tram returns to Human Rights Building European Parliament Passerelle des Deux Glass canopy of the The Zénith (Massimilia- Elithis Danube tower, Strasbourg (Richard Rogers) (Architecture Studio) Rives, a footbridge train station (J.M. no Fuksas) the first positive energy between France and Duthilleul et E. Tricaud) housing tower in the Germany (Marc Mimram) world © Christophe Hamm STRASBOURG, EUROPE'S BEATING HEART Right from the end of the Second World War, Strasbourg was chosen as a European capital, to symbolise reconciliation between countries. This unique status added the Alsatian capital to the very short list of cities that are not national capitals but are the seat of an international institution. Europe lives in Strasbourg!

The European District Sessions meet in Strasbourg on a monthly basis. Located on Strasbourg’s north side, close to Orangerie Park and The European Parliament participates in the EU’s legislative to several arms of the River Ill, the huge European district of- processes, approves the budget and exercises general control; fers the possibility of discovering the political missions of each it contributes to the development of the political and monetary European institution, as well as admiring a few showpieces union. of contemporary architecture. • The Parlamentarium The European Parliament Tours of the European Parliament include the hemicycle and This building, completed in 1999 by Architecture Studio, is the Simone Veil Parlamentarium. This informative, immersive structured as an alliance between a circle and an ellipsis. It space is devoted to understanding the Parliament’s role: it pre- is structured around well-identified volumes: a 60-metre-high sents the process of developing EU legislation and explains the tower oriented towards the Cathedral, a wing-shaped building role of the MPs. It features interactive exhibits such as touch from which the dome of the hemicycle emerges and workspaces screens, and a 360-degree cinema. and areas for relaxation. N Allée du Printemps i www.europarl.europa.eu/visiting The Members of the European Parliament, elected every 5 years by universal suffrage in the countries of the European The Pathway of Europe Union, have been meeting there since the enactment of the Take a stroll along this 2.5 km walkway through the heart of Treaty of Rome in 1957 by Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, France, the European district, and discover the European institutions the Netherlands and Belgium. through fun, trilingual installations. The Council of Europe The Lieu d’Europe

Created by the Treaty of London on 5 May 1949, it now repre- Opened in 2014 on the edge of the European quarter, the Lieu sents 800 million people from 47 member states. This insti- d’Europe is a place where people can learn about European tution seeks to protect human rights, with an emphasis on citizenship. It aims to make citizens more familiar with social, educational, cultural and environmental affairs. Europe, its history and its role. This centre, whose motto The Council of Europe is established in the Palace of Europe, a is “Europe is what we decide to make of it”, also offers ex- vast quadrangle built in 1977 by French architect Henri Ber- hibitions and events year-round, especially in May, which nard. is the month of Europe. N Avenue de l’Europe i www.coe.int N 8 rue Boecklin i www.lieudeurope.strasbourg.eu

The European Court of Human Rights ARTE ARTE, the European cultural TV channel launched in 1991, is also internationally oriented. It set up its Alsatian premises on the banks of the River Ill at the centre of the European quarter, in a building designed by architect Hans Struhk that was completed in 2003. N 4 quai du Chanoine-Winterer i www.arte.tv

The other European institutions in Strasbourg • The International Institute of Human Rights The European Court of Human Rights' function is enforcing in- • The Central Commission for Navigation on the Rhine, dividual citizens' rights in member countries of the Council which was founded in 1816, is the oldest international of Europe. organisation. It ensures the prosperity and safety of the It is based in the Human Rights Building, whose two ‘metal navigation crews on the Rhine. drums’ on pilings, designed by Richard Rogers in 1995, • The European Science Foundation symbolise the scales of justice. • The European Youth Centre N Allée des Droits de l’Homme i www.echr.coe.it • the European Audiovisual Observatory • The secretariat of the Human Frontier Science Program The European Pharmacopoeia • The Assembly of European Regions The European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines and • The European Regional Development Centre Healthcare, which is involved in the standardisation and qua- • The Eurocorps lity of medicines and their certification at the European scale, has been headquartered in Strasbourg since 2007. This building, designed by the Art & Build and Denu & Paradon architectural firms, features laboratories, offices and meeting rooms. N 7 allée Kastner i www.edqm.eu STRASBOURG, EUROPE'S BEATING HEART BEATING EUROPE'S STRASBOURG, © Alban Hefti STRASBOURG, CITY OF CULTURE

Strasbourg has a world-class cultural scene when it comes to music, theatre, art or literature, with renowned cultural institutions and a wide, abundant variety of festivals.

Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra (OPS) presents 200 performances, including operas, ballets, recitals Founded in 1855, Strasbourg’s Philharmonic Orchestra is one of and youth shows, attracting more than 100,000 spectators. the oldest symphonic orchestras in Europe, and the oldest i www.operanationaldurhin.eu/en in France. It owes its reputation to the famous conductors who have played here. Composed of 100 musicians, the OPS is internationally renowned thanks to their many international tours Les Percussions de Strasbourg as well as their recordings and television broadcasts. It offers This is the oldest professional music ensemble in France, 30 concerts a year in Strasbourg alone. with a unique format, boasting an exceptionally rich repertoire. i philharmonique.strasbourg.eu Les Percussions de Strasbourg are world-renowned ambas- sadors, respected for the quality of their performances and The Opéra National du Rhin their creativity and innovation. Created from a merger between the opera houses of Strasbourg, They’ve given more than 1,700 concerts in 70 countries, created Colmar and Mulhouse in 1972, the ONR has a choir of 44 sin- 350 works, built up a collection of instruments like no other gers and a ballet company of 33 dancers. It also has a branch in the world, released about thirty albums and received mul- devoted to young singers, called the Opéra Studio, as well as its tiple awards. own scenery and costume workshops. A major institution on the i www.percussionsdestrasbourg.com/en French and international opera scenes, it became a “National Opera” in 1997 and was named the “Opera House of the Year” for 2019 by the Opernwelt magazine. Every season, the ONR A sophisticated, diverse musical offering show has become a key event for enthusiasts and collectors, Strasbourg hosts more than 9,000 cultural events a year, in- attracting about one hundred French and international art gal- cluding multiple festivals on a wide variety of themes. Some leries. of the more iconic ones include Musica (contemporary music), i www.st-art.com/en Jazzdor (contemporary jazz), Les Nuits Électroniques de l’Osos- Strasbourg now also hosts a Biennale of Contemporary Art, phère (electronic music and the visual arts), the Printemps the first of which took place in late 2018 - early 2019. Called des Bretelles (international accordion festival), Les Sacrées “Touch Me”, the exhibition explored the issue of being a citizen Journées (sacred music), Contre-temps (electro-groove) and in the digital age and attracted more than 10,000 visitors. The Stras’Orgues (Strasbourg organ festival). next exhibition will be in 2020-2021. i biennale-strasbourg.eu The National Theatre of Strasbourg The fact that Strasbourg has its own High School of Applied Theatre is vibrant in Strasbourg, as the city boasts some great Arts just shows how dynamic the city is. This school, formed stages. These include the National Theatre of Strasbourg, the through a merger between the School of Decorative Arts of only national theatre in France outside of Paris. Its perma- Strasbourg (founded in 1892) and the School of Art of Mul- nent troupe of actors, trained at an academy of dramatic arts, house, is one of the best art schools in France. performs in two theatres, with scenery and costumes made in- i www.hear.fr house. About fifteen shows are presented every season at 170 Art can also be seen in the city through the open-air exhibition performances. L'Industrie Magnifique (“The Magnificent Industry”) on some i www.tns.fr of the most beautiful squares in Strasbourg, presenting monumental artworks created in partnership with some of the re- The Maillon gion’s industrialists. The next exhibition will be held from The Maillon, Theatre of Strasbourg, a European stage, explores 3 to 13 June 2021. the most contemporary forms of live performance. It has an i industriemagnifique.com excellent reputation, thanks to its European focus and highly diverse programming. A city of books i www.maillon.eu The city in which Gutenberg invented the printing press obviously cares a lot about books. The TJP - National Centre for Dramatic Arts of Strasbourg The Strasbourg metropolitan area boasts 33 libraries, in- The TJP targets an audience of children, teens and adults. It is cluding numerous media libraries and even an art library. a place of creation devoted to puppetry, and it has set itself Strasbourg is also home to France’s second-largest the task of encouraging new playwriting and inventing a whole library: the National and University Library. In particular, multitude of theatrical forms. this library houses one of Europe’s first Egyptology col- i www.tjp-strasbourg.com lections. Finally, book lovers will be delighted by the city's nume- Strasbourg, city of art rous independent bookstores, booksellers and book mar- Over 25 art galleries, over 60 contemporary works on public kets. Numerous literary events are held throughout the display and numerous bodies responsible for contemporary art year in Strasbourg, such as the “Bibliothèques Idéales” illustrate the richness and diversity of artistic culture in Stras- (The Perfect Library). bourg. i www.mediatheques.strasbourg.eu The public space in Strasbourg really is a sort of open-air art i www.bnu.fr gallery, featuring several artworks by renowned contemporary i bibliotheques-ideales.strasbourg.eu artists. These artworks can be found along tram lines A and B and at Orangerie Park, the Jardin des Deux Rives and Pourtalès Park. This vibrant art scene also includes France’s second-largest contemporary art fair, ST-ART, which is held annually. This STRASBOURG, CITY OF CULTURE CITY STRASBOURG, © Philippe de Rexel EXCEPTIONAL MUSEUMS

Strasbourg boasts a vast network of municipal museums, as well as other public and private facili- ties, creating a diverse, sophisticated cultural scene that offers something for everyone!

The Decorative Arts Museum The Archaeological Museum

On the ground floor of Palais Rohan, the former residence of the The Archaeological Museum is one of the most important in prince-bishops, this museum presents the cardinals’ apart- France, due to the scope of its collections. It covers thousands ments, as well as collections of decorative art from Stras- of years of history, from 600,000 BC to the year 800, encom- bourg, dating from 1681 to the 19th century. passing the Neolithic Age, the Bronze and Iron Ages, the Gal- N 2 place du Château i en.musees.strasbourg.eu lo-Roman period and then the Merovingian period. N 2 place du Château i en.musees.strasbourg.eu The Museum of Fine Arts The Historical Museum

This museum has a beautiful collection of French, Italian, The Historical Museum, located in the Ancienne Grande Bou- Spanish, Flemish and Dutch paintings, from the 14th cen- cherie (former slaughterhouse) since 1920, traces the politi- tury to 1870. Featured artists include Giotto, Hans Memling, cal, economic and social history of the city with paintings, Botticelli, Raphael, Correggio, Veronese, El Greco, Jusepe de engravings, models and other items. There is a relief map Ribera, Philippe de Champaigne, Simon Vouet, Claude Lorrain, from the year 1727, reproducing the city on a 1:600 scale. The Rubens, Van Dyck, Ruysdael, Pieter de Hooch, Giovanni Battis- exhibition is structured into three major periods: Strasbourg, a ta Tiepolo, Canaletto, Nicolas de Largillierre, Watteau, Boucher, Free City of the Holy Roman Empire (1262 to 1681), Strasbourg, Goya, Corot, Delacroix and Courbet. a Royal City (1681 to 1789) and Strasbourg from 1800 to 1949: N 2 place du Château i en.musees.strasbourg.eu from Napoleon to the Creation of the Council of Europe. N2 rue du Vieux-Marché-aux-Poissons The Œuvre Notre-Dame Museum i en.musees.strasbourg.eu

The Tomi Ungerer Museum International Centre for Illustration

Located in splendid 14th and 15th century buildings, this museum presents masterpieces of medieval sculpture from the Cathedral. It also displays stained-glass windows dating from the 14th to the 16th century and major Rhineland artworks from the 15th century. Inaugurated in 2007, this is the first French museum to N 3 place du Château i en.musees.strasbourg.eu be devoted to an artist during his lifetime. Featuring a collection donated by Tomi Ungerer himself to his home- The Alsatian Museum town, the museum boasts 11,000 drawings and posters, The Alsatian Museum bears timeless witness to the folk art advertisements, sculptures, games, toys, family archives and traditional lifestyle of Alsace. Located in old Strasbourg and photographs, including 300 artworks for children and homes, it presents painted furniture, costumes, ceramics and others reserved for adults, due to their satirical or erotic toys. Some of the rooms present replicas of typical Alsatian content. interiors. N2 avenue de la Marseillaise N23-25 quai Saint Nicolas i en.musees.strasbourg.eu i en.musees.strasbourg.eu EXCEPTIONAL MUSEUMS EXCEPTIONAL lumes) andanauditorium. The museumisalsohometoalarge artlibrary (100000vo- Pascali andSechas). N rary art (Aillaud, (Ernst, of abstract art (Kandinsky and tual art, Fluxus, Jugendstil,andmore. Visitors willfindpioneers are represented, including new realism, new figuration, concep- Gustave Doré and Monet, The collection presents works by very famous artists such as with hisspectacularglazednaveof25metres inheight. ber forcefully communicateshiswishtoconnectwiththetown the cultural life ofStrasbourg. The architect Adrien Fainsil Opened in1998, itstandsoutasoneoftheflagshipsitesin The Museumof ModernandContemporary Art Accused ofbeing tooforward-thinking, mostofthesetwasal of “placingpeople withinthepaintingrather thaninfront ofit”. withtheintention was designedasacomplete work of art, dance hall,aneventsroom andacafé-bar. The entire complex an burg, J In thisbuilding, dating from the 18th century, TheoVanDoes- Aubette 1928 1placeHans-Jean-Arp avant-garde leisure complex whichincludedacinema/ ean HansArpandSophieTaeuber-Arp created in1928 Masson and Picasso andSarkis, aswellAlsatianartistssuch Baselitz, Jean HansArp. Many artisticmovements Brauner) and major figures of- contempo Buren, i en.musees.strasbourg.eu Broodthaers, Kupka), surrealist masters Filliou, Lavier, - - N N heart ofthegoldenyears. ment -were reopened in2006, enablingthepublictoenter Strasbourg, the rooms of the Aubette - a listed Historic Monu- Following arestoration campaignorganised bytheCityof tered ordestroyed atthe endofthe1930’s. i 2023 2023. spring until N construction for Closed such asbiology, health ortheenvironment. annual temporary exhibitionsonvariousscientifictopics, ness and fragility ofour fauna. It is supplemented with variety of ecosystems. This collection illustrates the rich- a Natural History(constitutedinthe18thcentury), there is With itswidecollectionfrom JeanHermann’sGallery of The Zoological Museum only. silverware, ornamentsandarchitecture. Openbyreservation imagery, documentsaboutAlsaceandvery rare drawings of The collection, datingbackto1890, includes19th century folk arts, architecture, historyandfolk art. the mosttechnicalandvariedofdomains:finearts, decorative collection of some200,000works covering five centuries in This museumintheshadeofcathedral exhibitsa priceless The Print Room large variety of rare orextinct animals, from awide 5 placeduChâteau placeKléber en.musees.strasbourg.eu 29boulevard dela Victoire i en.musees.strasbourg.eu i en.musees.strasbourg.eu

EXCEPTIONAL MUSEUMS The Planetarium MM Park

The Planetarium makes learning fun, for a discovery of the This World War II military museum is in La Wantzenau, and architecture and evolution of the universe. The interactive features private collections. It is one of Europe’s largest mu- exhibitions in the Crypte aux Etoiles (Star Crypt) and the per- seums on this theme. It features more than one hundred mili- formance hall reveal the wonders of the stars in a dreamlike, tary vehicles and even a German E-boat. informative way. Under the great dome of the Observatory, the N 4 rue Gutenberg, La Wantzenau i www.mmpark.fr optical and mechanical capabilities of the large telescope are presented, and every month, night-time observation sessions Les Secrets du Chocolat are open to the public. (“The Secrets of Chocolate” Museum) N 4 rue de l’Observatoire i jardin-sciences.unistra.fr

Le Vaisseau

This chocolate museum can be visited in three steps: the This departmental council facility, open since 2005, makes Tasting Workshop, the Discovery Path and the Chocolate science a fun discovery for visitors ages three and up. This Makers’ Laboratory. museum covers topics as broad as the origin of the planet, the Visitors learn about the history of chocolate, from the animal world, how our senses work and the principles of phy- Mayan period to the present. sics. Everything can be touched and handled, so visitors learn N Rue du Pont au Péage, Geispolsheim by playing and having fun. i www.musee-du-chocolat.com/en N 1bis rue Philippe-Dollinger i www.levaisseau.com/en

The Voodoo Museum Original and definitely unusual, the Voodoo Museum, located in a former water tower, has the world’s largest private collection of West African voodoo objects. All of the objects are related to religious practices: ancestor worship, medicine, di- vination, witchcraft and many events associated with the key stages of life. N 4 rue de Koenigshoffen i www.chateau-vodou.com EXCEPTIONAL MUSEUMS EXCEPTIONAL © Sophie Balland STRASBOURG: A FAMILY DESTINATION

Strasbourg, an ideally sized city, is the perfect family holiday destination. Its historical pedestrian centre, rich history and many kid-friendly activities are popular with young and old alike!

A surprising, fun city A visit to Strasbourg is time for fun Thanks to its originality, the heritage of Strasbourg is fasci- To discover the city and its history while keeping it interesting nating for both kids and adults. Whether you’re at the Cathedral for the little ones, there are several possibilities. Boat tours admiring the faces on the gargoyles or gazing in awe at the are offered on the River Ill. Special audio commentary, fun for Astronomical Clock, or wandering down the wide pedestrian kids, has been created just for them, with dramatic staging and streets in the city centre, visiting Strasbourg as a family is a actors. But for visitors who’d rather stay on dry land, two little pleasure. Don’t forget about the Petite France quarter, which sightseeing trains wind their way through the Grande Île and has its own surprises in store for little explorers. Its little cob- Neustadt districts, from mid-March to mid-November. Don’t blestone streets and must-see half-timbered houses have ins- miss this! pired and featured as backdrops in fairy tales. There’s also a Athletic visitors will appreciate exploring Strasbourg by bike, functioning lock and a swing bridge, which are always a big with rides for everyone to enjoy! hit with young visitors. i Batorama : www.batorama.com/en A climb up to the Cathedral’s platform or to the panoramic i Petit train : petit-train-strasbourg.fr terrace of the Vauban Dam will also create wonderful memories for the entire family. i Cathedral's platform: www.oeuvre-notre-dame.org Familiciti: the guide for visiting the city as a family Playtime in parks and gardens The Strasbourg Tourist Office provides families with a visitor’s Lots of parks in Strasbourg feature playgrounds, where kids can guide: Familiciti. There's also a city centre discovery trail quiz, run around and play. For example, there's a playground at the called Familicitirali. Participants have fun while exploring the Citadelle, adapted to different age groups, even featuring a Cathedral district, as they answer the six questions. Both are water game area for hot-weather fun. available upon request at the tourist office. Orangerie Park, a green oasis in the city, also has great surprises in store, including playgrounds, a mini-farm, a zoo, an Kid-friendly museums antique car track and flat-bottomed boats for hire from March Lots of museums in Strasbourg are perfect for families, thanks to October. In summertime, ice cream vendors make kids happy to their theme or format. Please note that all municipal mu- (and their parents too). seums in Strasbourg are free for visitors under 18 years of age. The Jardin des Deux Rives, located between France and Ger- The Historical Museum offers a historical adventure, from the many, has several playgrounds, which can be reached by walk- Middle Ages to the creation of the European institutions, just for ing or cycling across the footbridge. kids. They can even handle objects and interact with the collections. Its ‘Little Soldiers of Strasbourg’ collection, with 60,000 Recreational and sports activities figures made of paper, delights young visitors. There are plenty of activities, to have fun and let off some At the Alsatian Museum, everyone can learn about Alsatian steam. The possibilities are endless, from ice skating at folk traditions and admire old-fashioned costumes and toys. the Iceberg ice skating rink to swimming at the municipal The Zoological Museum raises awareness about animals and pools in Strasbourg, go-karting, rock climbing or a high presents numerous species, including some that are extinct ropes course, the many escape rooms or the Stride: the (closed for construction until spring 2023.) largest bike park in Europe. The Vaisseau, a museum designed especially for young people i Stride : www.stride-indoorbikepark.fr between 3 and 15, lets them explore science and technology through play and hands-on discovery. Budding astronomers will find happiness at the Planetarium. Nearby theme parks This facility lets visitors discover astronomy and even observe For thrill seekers, several theme parks provide excitement the sky, after nightfall. Equipped with a big dome containing the and adventure at a reasonable distance from Strasbourg. third-largest telescope in France, the planetarium presents These include Europa Park, the European and global lea- the science of the stars, in a fun, dynamic way. der, in Rust, Germany, with its thirteen roller coasters and For gourmet visitors, the Secrets du Chocolat (Secrets of Cho- fifteen theme districts. In 2020, Europa Park added on a colate) Museum offers tours and workshops that are perfect for gigantic water park, Rulantica. kids. For example, they can see how a chocolate bar is made. Near Sélestat, Cigoland is both a theme park, with about i See “Exceptional museums” twenty attractions, and an animal park, with 120 storks roaming freely. In southern Alsace, visitors find the Parc du Petit Prince, which is the world’s first aerial theme park. It offers about thirty innovative attractions and shows, plunging visitors into the poetic world of the Little Prince and St-Exupéry. The highlight for visitors of any age: a ride in a hot-air bal- loon. i Europa Park : www.europapark.de/en i Cigoland : cigoland.fr i Parc du Petit Prince : www.parcdupetitprince.com/en STRASBOURG: A FAMILY DESTINATION A FAMILY STRASBOURG: © Sophie Balland STRASBOURG, A GREEN CITY

When you’re in Strasbourg, you don’t need to go far to go green. The city contains 3,200 hectares of nature: with parks, squares, public gardens and woods, there’s something for everyone!

Parc de l’Orangerie However the people of Strasbourg really appreciate the charms This is the largest park in Strasbourg (26 hectares) and is one of this place, with its perfect blend of classicism and roman- of the most pleasant; it was classed as a Historical Monument ticism, of familiarity and exoticism. Even a stork farm can be in 1989. found here; and it is not unusual to come across one of their The laying-out of the park as a French classical garden began number roaming freely over the park lawns. in 1740. A pavilion dedicated to the Empress Josephine (which N Avenue de l’Europe - Free access. hosted a reception in her honour in 1809) was built in 1806 to house the collection of orange trees which the state had just Pourtalès Park presented to the city of Strasbourg. Between 1832 and 1848, Mélanie de Pourtalès (1836-1914) will always be associated a fan-like pattern of the walkways was integrated into an En- with the castle she is named after. Thanks to the beautiful lady glish-style garden. This further evolved with the industrial and (who was the matron of honour for the Empress Eugenie), the artisan exhibition of 1895, when a number of spectacular fea- Pourtalès Castle became a meeting point for celebrities of the tures - some of a short duration, others lasting a longer period century: Albert Schweitzer, Maurice Barrès, Jules Massenet, of time - were added. These included the man-made lake with Charles de Foucault… its rocky waterfall and grotto. A half-timbered house, built ori- Belonging since 1976 to the City of Strasbourg, the 24 hectare ginally in Molsheim in 1607, was reconstructed piece by piece park has woods that stretch out towards the forest of Robert- to create a winery; much later this became the ”Buerehiesel” (a sau. It features lots of contemporary sculptures and is the high-end restaurant). The fantastic collection of orange trees most rugged of Strasbourg’s parks. which gave the park its name was sadly lost in a fire in 1968. N 161 rue Mélanie - Free access. Citadelle Park heart of the city, is a fantastic opportunity to observe more than Partially classed as a historic monument, this park (12,5 ha) 6,000 different ancient or rare species from all five conti- was decorated in 1964 as a remnant of the Citadel designed nents. by Vauban in 1681 to strengthen the city’s fortifications. The N 28 rue Goethe - Free access. Variable hours. park has retained the outline of the fortifications, combining i jardin-botanique.unistra.fr the architectural contours, the water in the moat and the vege- tation into a single entity. Nature in the city: the urban nature park N Rue de Boston - Free access. Taking inspiration from nearby regional nature parks, Stras- bourg and its citizens have launched an innovative programme Jardin des Deux Rives to preserve the city’s unique heritage and attractive living This 60 hectare cross-border park has straddled the German conditions. The Urban Nature Park has brought nature and and French banks of the Rhine since 2004. A symbol of Fran- the city together, since 2010 for Ill Bruche in the west and co-German friendship, it is the first park to be designed on since 2015 for Ill Rhine in the north. More than a territory, the both sides of a border. A delicate footbridge for pedestrians and Urban Nature Park is a state of mind, a collective approach to cyclists, 387 metres long, was designed by Marc Mimram, pro- bringing nature into the city. It contains exceptional, amazing viding easy access across the river and stunning views of its heritage that can be explored on several different footpaths banks. Considering its symbolism, it is no surprise that the « and bike paths. family photo » of the 2009 NATO summit was taken here. N Rue des Cavaliers - Free access. Forests: three national nature reserves Strasbourg is the only city in Europe with alluvial forests in Heyritz Park the areas surrounding the city, three of which are protected by This new park (2015) of 8.7 hectares, located close to the city the status of “national nature reserve”: Rohrschollen Island centre, was built on a former industrial site. Its design preser- (1997), Neuhof Forest (2012) and Robertsau Forest (2020). ved a large portion of existing nature (trees and undergrowth), These three areas represent an incomparable natural heri- supplemented by native herbaceous plants. A long floating tage with remarkable ecological diversity. A wide variety of footbridge made of acacia creates a smooth interface with the marked trails and paths can be followed to explore nature aquatic environment. N Chemin du Heyritz - Free access. while respecting the environment.

The Botanical Garden Remarkable trees It is one of the largest botanical gardens in France. It was A recent count of the 67,500 trees of Strasbourg highlights developed between 1880 and 1884 by the German authorities the presence of 64 remarkable trees in the city. These as part of the Imperial University. They hoped to make it the include: Empire’s second most impressive botanical garden after Berlin. - the 4 gingko biloba trees on Place de la République, This 3.5 hectare garden, located on the site of the old ramparts, given by Emperor Meiji of Japan to Emperor William II. was provided with attractive metal greenhouses, the last rem- - the highest tree in the city, a plane tree measuring 45 nant of which is the round glasshouse renamed “de Bary” - after metres in Contades Park. Its height is equivalent to the the professor who created the garden. Listed as a historic mo- height of a 15-storey building. nument in 1993, it houses tropical aquatic plants and a pool 7 - A 31-metre-high London plane tree, right in the centre of meters in length, used from the very beginning for cultivating the Petite France quarter. It is thought to have been planted the giant water lily Victoria amazonica. in 1667. The mission of the botanical garden is to provide a home for exotic species and to preserve the extraordinary variety of natural plant life by cultivating numerous endangered plant species. Its role is also to raise public awareness of the importance of preserving our botanical heritage. Featured on the additional list of historic monuments since

1991, this truly living museum provides, in a green oasis in the A GREEN CITY STRASBOURG, © Christophe Hamm STRASBOURG, A VIBRANT CITY

Strasbourg brilliantly manages to preserve and showcase its historical and architectural heritage while continuing to live, grow and move with its times.

A city in transformation focusing on continuity by safeguarding its unique identity and Beyond the numerous urban projects currently underway, which connection to the manufacturing industry. When it reopens, this are redesigning the city and opening it up to neighbouring Ger- former industrial building will house a satellite of the Univer- many, Strasbourg is making the most of its industrial and port sity of Strasbourg, a business incubator, a youth hostel and a heritage to recreate itself while breathing new life into the rele- bar and restaurant. vant buildings and urban areas. • The COOP quarter • Presqu’île André Malraux A real social project with the aim of offering healthy food This formerly abandoned port area has been rehabilitated through a cooperative organisation, the “Société Coopérative de extensively. The old grain silo and shipyard warehouses have Strasbourg et Environs” set up for business at the Rhine Port been converted into a media library (Ibos and Vitart architects). in the early 20th century. It remained there until January 2014. This project preserved the soul of the building, particularly by This huge industrial site is now a quarter undergoing renewal, highlighting the existing exposed concrete. The “Paindavoine” both in terms of its architecture and how it is used, while pre- cranes were preserved and restored to serve as tangible remin- serving the values of collaboration and sharing in keeping with ders of the place’s past as a port. the site's history. Housing, office space, artists’ studios and gardens will be developed here by 2022. • Manufacture des Tabacs This huge building - some parts of which are listed as historical monuments - is currently being converted with the aim of Trendy pop-ups Stunning contemporary art The latest spots in Strasbourg that are great places to go for a Strasbourg is very enthusiastic about contemporary art: in addi- drink are pop-up venues. These trendy, unique bars set up for tion to being home to the Museum of Modern and Contemporary business in unexpected or alternative places, for a limited time. Art, the city also displays contemporary art in public spaces They offer new vibes in Strasbourg, often with quite avant- and in other special venues. garde cultural programming. Thanks to these pop-up bars, • Art in the city Strasbourg residents and tourists get to discover and explore In Strasbourg, several works by renowned contemporary artists places that would normally be closed or mostly unheard of. are displayed in the public space, creating a sort of open-air Let’s take a look back at the latest pop-up venues in Stras- museum. In particular, these artworks can be found along tram bourg: lines A and B, at Orangerie Park, at the Jardin des Deux Rives - Summer 2018: La Manufakture, a bar/club at the Manufacture and at Pourtalès Park. des Tabacs before the renovations began there • ST’ART - Winter 2018: Le Café de la Biennale, a café/bar in the Hôtel Every year, Strasbourg holds France’s second-largest contem- des Postes, as a complement to the Biennale of Contemporary porary art fair. This show has become a key event for enthu- Art, before the renovations began there siasts and collectors, attracting about one hundred French and - Summer 2018 and 2019: Le Lavoir, a floating terrace on the international art galleries. quays i www.st-art.com/en - Summers 2019 and 2020: La Grenze, a cultural terrace behind the train station, on unused land owned by the railway com- • The Biennale of Contemporary Art pany (former industrial site). The first Biennale of Contemporary Art of Strasbourg took place in late 2018 - early 2019. Called “Touch Me”, the exhibition ex- A growing trend: Street Art plored the issue of being a citizen in the digital age and Over the past few years, the walls of Strasbourg have lit up attracted more than 10,000 visitors. The next exhibition with colour! In collaboration with the municipality, some artists will be in 2020-2021. have had an opportunity to express themselves. More than 500 i biennale-strasbourg.eu works of street art can now be seen on the streets of Stras- bourg. These murals, graffiti, tags, collages and other creations are listed on a collaborative, interactive map to help you find the best spots in the city: the Street Art Map: strasbourg.streetart- map.eu In addition, a street art gallery opened in spring 2019, and a special festival, the Colors Festival, is held in September. i www.colors-art.eu

Fun facts In 2018, the famous New York artistic collaboration FAILE • CEAAC (Centre Européen d’Actions Artistiques created an ephemeral mural covering 1,000 sq. metres of Contemporaines) the exterior walls of the Museum of Modern and Contemporary The goal of CEAAC is to develop contemporary art, both in Art. terms of support for artistic creation and dissemination. The street artist Astro created a monumental mural (30 With this aim, a wide variety of exhibitions are held on a metres high and 15 metres across) on a facade of the uni- regular basis (featuring a single artist, collective, on diffe- versity residence “Les Flamboyants”, in the Esplanade quarter. rent themes or organised by guest curators), and experi- And the Strasbourg-based graffiti artist Apaiz! painted an im- mental programmes are organised. pressive mural measuring 50 metres long and 4 metres high i ceaac.org/en in the Port du Rhin district. STRASBOURG, A VIBRANT CITY VIBRANT A STRASBOURG, © Dominique Edte IN STRASBOURG, SLOW LIVING

The size of the Alsatian capital is ideal; it’s a city where life is good and time is something to be enjoyed. Strasbourg also offers the pleasure of discovering local gastronomy!

Take your time... getting around town Take your time... to eat A pioneering city when it comes to active modes of transport, Strasbourg is a pleasant place to take your time, enjoy the Strasbourg is best discovered on foot or by bike. The histo- cityscape, meet up with people and enjoy a good meal. rical centre, featuring lots of pedestrian areas, can be ex- The gastronomy of Strasbourg has been enriched over the plored and enjoyed quietly, in a peaceful atmosphere without centuries with iconic dishes combining the refinement of engines. French cuisine with the generosity of Germanic cooking. Strasbourg also offers other alternatives to cars, thanks to its tram system, the largest in France. The Strasbourg tram Take your time... to enjoy a meal at a winstub system has 70 km of lines and even crosses the border to go Foie gras (which was invented in Strasbourg by the Maréchal to the neighbouring city of Kehl, Germany. de Contades' chef around 1780) and sauerkraut (traditional or with fish) are the two centre pieces of Alsatian cuisine, but Take your time... strolling around alongside these two specialities, many other mouth-watering In 2019, the south quays of the River Ill were transformed into delicacies appear on menus. For example: baeckeoffe (a an area where people can meet up and go for a stroll. mix of marinated beef, mutton and pork in white wine, slowly Across the water, visitors can admire the marvellous Gothic, cooked with potatoes and onions); the tarte flambée (thin Renaissance and classical facades on the opposite riverbank. crust covered with cream, bacon and onions, slightly singed With a nod to slow living, floating docks have been installed, by the flames of the bread oven); coq au Riesling; boiled where you can daydream and relax. or grilled pork shank; fish stew with spaetzle (a variety of noodle); onion tart; gruyere salad; bibeleskäs (whipped cream cheese with garlic, onion, parsley and chive seasoning, served La Cave Historique des Hospices de Strasbourg with fried potatoes); asparagus with three sauces, served in spring…

This historical link can also be found at the Historic Wine A melt-in-the-mouth Munster cheese and a cheese or fruit Cellar of Strasbourg Hospital. Founded in 1395, the “Cave cake (according to the season) create a lovely finish to a meal. Historique des Hospices de Strasbourg“ (historical wine cellar) And the kougelhopf and bretzel are greatly appreciated on any depicts the hospital’s history and prestigious wine pro- occasion. duction. It holds fabulous masterpieces of barrel-making, and To accompany it all, beer and wine co-exist (which is particu- even a wine dating back to 1472… the oldest barrelled wine larly rare) in Alsace, which both impose their quality. As for the in the world! colourless spirits, from raspberry or pear to Gewurztraminer This extraordinary heritage has existed since 1995 thanks to marc, they all present a marvellous conclusion to a lavish the drive of reputable Alsatian wine producers. The best meal. Alsatian vintage wines, carefully selected in accordance with very strict quality standards, matured in oak barrels The gateway to the Alsace Wine Route and aged Strasbourg is a great starting point for exploring the Alsace to be then poured into bottles and labelled “cave des hos- Wine Route, which begins just a few kilometres from the pices“. This cellar is unique as it is situated in a hospital. Alsatian capital. The region is the only one in France to per- N 1 place de l'Hôpital petuate the tradition of wine varieties, with seven of them: i vins-des-hospices-de-strasbourg.fr/en Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Gewurztraminer. Vines of these seven varieties can even be found on Place des Tripiers Square in Strasbourg. Planted in 2000, these vines bear witness to Strasbourg’s historical links to the vineyards. IN STRASBOURG, SLOW LIVING SLOW IN STRASBOURG, DISCOVERING STRASBOURG

In Strasbourg, there are plenty of ways to explore the city. On foot, by bike, or on the water: any- thing goes!

The Strasbourg Pass, great deals to discover the city Visit Strasbourg with an audio guide The Strasbourg Tourist Office (OTSR) offers the Strasbourg Pass, To visit the city at your own pace, when it suits you, audio a little chequebook that provides free activities and attractions guides are available at the tourist office. and discounts on various sites and monuments in the city. Visit more and spend less with the Strasbourg Pass, valid for three days. It includes: Tour boat ride Free offers: For an original tour of Strasbourg, Batorama offers rides on - Visit of one of the museums, tour boats. It's a great way to get a different perspective of - Boat-tour through Strasbourg, the historical and heritage treasures of the European capital. - Astronomical Clock of the Cathedral. N Tickets: place de la Cathédrale Discounts on activities and attractions: Pier: place du Marché aux Poissons - Visit of a second museum i www.batorama.com - Ascent to the cathedral’s platform, - Tour by mini-train - Guided visit on foot, - Guided visit using an audio-guide, Other discounts are also offered. Price: Adult pass : 22 € Junior Pass: 10€ (4 to 12 years) et 15€ (13 to 17 years) Tours on the little sightseeing train The 5e Lieu

A little sightseeing train takes visitors around to see Stras- To get a good initial overview of Strasbourg’s rich heritage, try bourg’s iconic quarters. Two guided tours are offered: one heading over to the 5e Lieu. winds its way through the old town and Petite France quarters, Its permanent exhibition, “A Journey through Strasbourg”, while the other explores the German imperial quarter, known is structured as a walk through the city of the past and future, as the Neustadt district.. (April to October) using modern exhibition techniques. It’s a very rich source N place de la Cathédrale et place du Château of information about the city’s history and development, ipetit-train-strasbourg.fr as well as its heritage and urban planning. N 5 place du Château i 5elieu.strasbourg.eu Navigating through Strasbourg To discover the city from the water, completely autonomously, licence-free electric boats can be hired to navigate down the River Ill. Two companies offer several tours, with different themes and variable lengths. N 49 quai des Alpes i www.captainbretzel.eu N 5 quai du Woerthel i www.marindeaudouce.fr

Do like the locals and hop on a bike With over 600 km of bike paths, Strasbourg is the most bike-friendly city in France. So it comes as no surprise that 14% of all journeys are by bike! To experience the city like the locals do, visitors can simply ride a bike. Lots of bike hire companies offer conventional bikes and e-bikes, such as Vel’hop, One City Bike and L’Increvable. Some companies also offer guided bike tours.

Unusual tours There are plenty of other unusual ways to visit the city, for example on Segways, scooters or even in rickshaws, also known as tuk-tuks. And for an even more entertaining approach to exploring the city’s heritage, visitors can also make their way around on treasure hunts or theme tours featuring activities such as shopping, beer or food. DISCOVERING STRASBOURG DISCOVERING © Paul Prim “STRASBOURG, CAPITAL OF CHRISTMAS” “Strasbourg, Capital of Christmas” is a time-honoured tradition. With its markets, lights, concerts and solidarity, it captures the magic of Christmas throughout the month of December, all across the city centre.

France’s oldest Christmas market beautifully decorated, the shop windows sparkle, the smells of Strasbourg’s Christmas market is the oldest one in France cinnamon and spices waft through the air, bringing back child- and one of the oldest in Europe. Originally, in 1570, the hood memories, and Christmas carols ring out from churches. Christkindelsmärik (Market of the Baby Jesus), was created Throughout December, Strasbourg is one of the most illu- under the influence of Strasbourg Protestantism, to replace the minated cities in Europe. The streets, houses, windows and Saint Nicholas Market (St. Klausenmarkt), one of the so-called balconies twinkle with lights and decorations each year more extravagant Catholic traditions associated with saints’ names. original than the last. This fairy-tale atmosphere enchants eve- It was held a few days before Christmas at the foot of the Ca- ry visitor. thedral. Since then, the market has continued to grow. In 1830, the mar- “Strasbourg, the Capital of Christmas” ket was moved to Place Kléber, and then to Place Broglie in Through its Christmas Market, Strasbourg upholds its centu- 1870, where it is still held to this day. Nowadays, hundreds of ries-old status as a market town, but it also strives to promote merchants and craftsmen occupy the 300 chalets set up al- the city’s humanist values. most everywhere in the city centre. And that is what the concept of "Strasbourg, Capital of Christ- mas" – created in 1992 – is all about: proposing, in addition to An enchanting ambiance the traditional markets in the city’s streets, hundreds of events During the Christmas market, the ambiance in Strasbourg is aiming to carry on the tradition and a spirit of openness, sha- truly unique. It’s especially in the late afternoon, at dusk, that ring and generosity the magic starts to happen. The facades and streets are Objective: getting ready for Christmas A famous Christmas Market The first objective of the Christmas Market in Alsace is to get Users from around the world on the European e-tourism web- ready for Christmas. So market-goers find original gifts, unique site, “European Best Destinations” have twice voted the Stras- items to decorate their Christmas trees and traditional treats, bourg Christmas Market as the most beautiful Christmas Mar- such as the little Christmas biscuits called bredle, and mulled ket in Europe. In 2018, it was even named the “Best Christmas wine, to keep them warm! Market in the World” by CNN Travel.

The great Christmas tree Strasbourg has boasted its traditional Christmas tree for centuries: a manuscript from 1605 describes decorated fir trees placed in Strasbourg’s guild houses during Advent. Every year, a thirty-metre tall Christmas tree is brought to Place Kléber and decorated with colourful ornaments and shimmering lights. This essential symbol of “Strasbourg, Ca- pital of Christmas” is also the highest decorated Christmas tree in Europe.

The Strasbourg Christmas Market takes to the road! In 2009 and 2010, the Strasbourg Christmas Market went to Tokyo, attracting over 1.2 million visitors. In 2012 and 2013, it went to Moscow, setting up at the gateway to the famous Red Square, drawing over 750,000 visitors. After Beijing in 2015 and Taipei in 2016, it was Seoul’s turn in 2017: 275,000 Koreans eagerly went to discover Alsatian gastronomy and craftsmanship. In 2019, it was none other than New York City that welcomed the Strasbourg Christmas Market. This was proof, if proof were needed, of the market's excellent reputation.

A rich programme “Strasbourg, Capital of Christmas” skilfully brings together spiritual, cultural and artistic events. Throughout the month of December, lots of concerts, many of which are free, are offered, including Christmas carols. Many exhibitions are held as well. For example, every year, the Cathedral exhibits in its nave the 17th-century tapestries that it has had since 1739. These 14 tapestries, which were commissioned by Richelieu, tell the sto- ry of the Virgin’s life. i noel.strasbourg.eu/en “STRASBOURG, CAPITAL OF CHRISTMAS” CAPITAL “STRASBOURG, © Istock STRASBOURG, AT THE HEART OF ALSACE

Ideally situated, Strasbourg is the perfect starting point to explore not only Alsace, but the Black Forest and Switzerland, too. A multitude of activities and destinations are within easy reach.

Less than 30 minutes away Less than one hour away

• Kehl • Soufflenheim and Betschdorf Just over the border from Strasbourg, Kehl can be reached by Located north of Strasbourg, near Haguenau, Soufflenheim and tram on line D, as well as by bike or on foot using a special Betschdorf preserve the traditional craft of pottery making. footbridge. For visitors, Kehl is a charming city and a unique Each village is known for its own technique: for example, in opportunity to hop over to Germany. Soufflenheim, the potters are renowned for their kougelhopf N 6 km i marketing.kehl.de moulds and in Betschdorf they're known for their original salt varnish sandstone technique. • Marlenheim and the Wine Route N 42 and 52 km i www.visithaguenau.alsace/en The wine village closest to Strasbourg is Marlenheim. This is • Mont Sainte-Odile where the Alsace Wine Route begins: an itinerary that takes At the spiritual centre of Alsace, Mont Sainte-Odile offers visitors to the heart of the magnificent Alsace wine country. stunning views from its altitude of 753 metres. The area offers N 22 km i www.wineroute.alsace lots of hiking trails. • Obernai N 45 km i www.mont-sainte-odile.com The main curiosities of this charming, very lively little city are • La Fabrique à Bretzels its city hall, belfry, wheat market and ramparts. At the Boehli pretzel factory, discover the history and recipe N 28 km iwww.tourisme-obernai.fr/en behind the success of the famous Alsatian pretzel maker. N 48 km i www.boehli.fr/lafabriqueabretzels • The Alsace-Moselle Memorial Less than an hour and a half away The Alsace Moselle Memorial traces the unique history of the region, as it changed nationalities 4 times between 1871 • Freiburg im Breisgau and 1945. Visitors interested in memorial tourism might also Freiburg im Breisgau is a charming medieval city crisscrossed want to visit the nearby European Centre of Deported Resis- by little alleyways and streams, boasting a castle, a cathedral, tance Members and the Struthof concentration camp, the only and more. And it’s known as the sunniest city in Germany! one in France. N 90 km i visit.freiburg.de/en N 48 km i www.memorial-alsace-moselle.com/en • Alsace Ecomusée • Baden-Baden The Alsace Ecomusée is the largest open-air museum in The pretty German city of Baden-Baden is famous for its spa, France. It presents the region’s rural heritage, with its arts overhung by Hohenbaden Castle and its casino. It’s also and traditions. Many aspects of daily life are covered: home popular with culture enthusiasts, with its music scene and life, arts and crafts, cooking, farming and the environment. Frieder Burda Museum. N 110 km i www.ecomusee.alsace/ N 60 km i baden-baden.com/en • Mulhouse • The Lalique Museum With its charming historical centre, Mulhouse has plenty At the heart of the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park, to offer. For example, visitors can go to several great visitors find the Lalique Museum, devoted to the master museums, such as the Motor Museum, the Train Museum glassmaker and jeweller René Lalique and his successors. (the largest railway museum in Europe) or the Museum of It’s a delight to see exceptional pieces and experience an Printed Textiles. immersion in the designer’s world. N 115km i www.tourisme-mulhouse.com/en N 62 km i www.musee-lalique.com/en • The Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park • Haut-Koenigsbourg castle The Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park is one of the The Castle of Haut-Koenigsbourg is the only fully restored largest regional nature parks in France. This remarkable medieval castle in Alsace. It has been overhanging the natural area offers lots of possibilities for hiking. valley since the 20th century and offers a remarkable vision of N 120 km i www.parc-ballons-vosges.fr/en what medieval life was like in Alsace. N 62 km i www.haut-koenigsbourg.fr/en Less than two hours away

• Alsace’s finest villages • Basel Voted the most beautiful villages in France, Hunspach, Mittel- This metropolis, split in two by the Rhine, is surprising for bergheim, Hunawihr, Riquewihr and Eguisheim are all one its perfect combination of old-town charm and modern hour or less away from Strasbourg. architectural landmarks. Basel has an incredible number N 62 km i www.les-plus-beaux-villages-de-france.org of museums. The most remarkable include the Kunst- museum (Museum of Fine Arts), the Beyeler Foundation • Colmar and the Jean Tinguely Museum. Not-to-be-missed Colmar, with its canals that have earned N 140 km i www.basel.com/en it the nickname Little Venice, is about an hour’s drive away from Strasbourg. The city features the Unterlinden Museum, The times shown above are estimated driving times. located in a 13th-century former convent, exhibiting artworks However, each place can also be reached by public from every period, including the famous Isenheim Altarpiece. transport (Fluo Grand Est 67 coaches or regional express N 73 km i www.tourisme-colmar.com/en trains). STRASBOURG, AT THE HEART OF ALSACE THE HEART AT STRASBOURG, STRASBOURG IN NUMBERS

Strasbourg is… Rankings and distinctions … more than 2,000 years of history 2017: Strasbourg was ranked as the 3rd greenest city in France by the Green City Observatory (behind Angers and Local area / Demographics Nantes). • 33 towns form the Eurometropolis of Strasbourg 2019: Strasbourg was named the most attractive city in • Strasbourg extends across 78 sq. kilometres and the Euro- France by Le Point magazine metropolis covers 339 sq. kilometres • The 7th-largest city in France in terms of population, with • Strasbourg was named “Best Christmas Market” twice by over 281,000 residents in Strasbourg and 494,000 in the European Best Destinations Eurometropolis • Named the “World’s Best Christmas Market” by CNN Travel in 2018

Transport • The biggest tram system in France, with 71.8 km • The first cross-border tram • France’s most bike-friendly city, with more than 670 km of bike paths • The 2nd largest river port in France

Tourism • The 7th most popular tourist destination in France • Over 4 million tourists welcomed every year • 2 out of 5 visitors are from other countries • About 20 million travellers use the Strasbourg train station every year • About 1.3 million travellers use the Strasbourg Airport every year • About 588,000 visitors come to the Strasbourg Tourist Office every year • 230,000 cruise passengers in 2019 • Over 140 hotels in the Eurometropolis, including 90 in Strasbourg, offering more than 10,000 rooms © Christophe Hamm